WTTW Documentaries

Today in America, most people die in hospitals, alone and in pain. To Live Until I Die introduces us to six terminally ill people who have chosen to spend their last days differently. The conversations with these six remarkable people are often funny and surprisingly uplifting. Their words and experiences teach us as much about living as they do about the choices we have at the ends of our lives.

Just a few decades ago, Chicago was tearing many architectural landmarks, including the work of legendary architect Louis Sullivan. No one, it seemed, felt it was important to document and preserve them. No one, that is, except photographer Richard Nickel. This idealistic young crusader's passion to save Chicago's architectural treasures consumed his life and ultimately caused his untimely death.

"Remembering Chicago Again" brings the 1940's and '50s alive.

Chicagoans share humorous and touching stories from the 1920's, '30s, and '40s.

A bittersweet look at an unforgettable era.

A nostalgic look at Chicago during the 1950's and '60s.

Join WTTW in exploring Chicago's Irish heritage.

The history of Chicago's African-American community told like never before -- through the voices of its leading citizens, scholars, artists, politicians, and business leaders.

Catholicism illustrates the history and treasures of this global religion shared by more than one billion people around the world. The panoramic presentation is filmed in stunning high-definition and spans more than 50 locations in 15 countries.

The Chicago Cubs are a way of life for many Chicagoans and for millions of Cubs fans across the country and around the world. This documentary is an entertaining and heartfelt look at the ties of hope, faith, and optimism that bind Cubs fans together.

John Callaway narrates the story of "Francis O'Neill: The Police Chief Who Saved Irish Music," a turn-of-the-century Renaissance man and the wide-reaching effects of his life's work. Watch the 2002 video from our archives.

WTTW's latest installment in the popular "Remembering Chicago" series.

The story of St. Jerome's Croatian Catholic Church.

A dramatic reenactment of the 1875 insanity trial of Mary Todd Lincoln.

Jane Lynch hosts this documentary about the history of Chicago's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities.

Mike Leonard ('The Ride of Our Lives,' 'Catholicism') tells the inside story of how the west Loop’s St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, known to residents as Old St. Pat's, transformed itself from an empty church in a declining neighborhood into a Chicago hub of worship, culture, social life, education, and service -- revitalizing a then-struggling West Loop.

This part introduces five 8th graders. Hear Robert's, Emma's, Natalia's, Gina's, and Kyle's hopes and concerns, see what they do for fun, and how they feel about school. The drama builds as the highly competitive process of getting into one of Chicago's top high schools is introduced.

This part contrasts five communities. The stark demographic differences between the Chicago Lawn neighborhood, the North Center neighborhood, the city of Dolton, the Humboldt Park neighborhood, and the Wilmette suburb become apparent through the five students' home lives and the concerns of their parents.

This part profiles five schools in the Chicago area. Each school's underlying philosophies are revealed through the way that principals, teachers, and administrators set the tone and interact with students.

A profile of White Sox legend Minnie Minoso, who in 1951 became Chicago's first black major league baseball player, later becoming the first black Latin American baseball star. Minoso's story is told through rare interviews with Chicago luminaries, friends, admirers, and never-before-seen footage of Minoso himself, shot by producer Tom Weinberg over the course of almost 40 years.

This part examines five classes. S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) curriculum is used as a case study for examining different teaching styles, uses of technology, and concerns over testing in the schools.

This part explores five ways to get into high school. Guidance counselors, parents, and students navigate the complicated selective enrollment process in Chicago, which is contrasted to suburban districts and boarding school options.

This part presents five Chicago area high schools. See the best that Chicago Public Schools has to offer as students attend open houses and shadow days, and how these schools compare to suburban and charter schools. The drama grows, as the hyper-competitive stakes to enter the top high schools are seen first-hand.

This part analyzes five administrations, focusing on the effects of privatization on five different schools and communities. See how school administrators work to fund their schools, close the achievement gap for low-income students, evaluate teachers, or simply prevent their school from being closed.

This part reveals five futures. The story comes to a climax as the students open their notification letters. Find out where the students will attend high school, and gain insight into the stresses of the process, on top of the emotional challenges of becoming a teenager.

This part facilitates five reflections. The students participate in a roundtable discussion, posing questions about their schools and communities, and reflecting on the experience of being in a documentary.

This new documentary exposes the terror experienced by albinos in Uganda due to ancient superstitions that brand them as cursed. The film follows 26-year-old Ogik Peter, an albino fighting for the rights and protection of Ugandans with the skin condition. Equal Under God also features the heartbreaking stories of two albino teenagers whom Peter is mentoring.